JLC Reverso

Watch Snob: The Watch You Can't Go Wrong With

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A young Snob gets schooled in the finer points of collecting.

The Watch Snob is in.

Is A. Lange Doomed?

I was doing some historical research on several brands and found out that A. Lange & Söhne was bought out by Richemont in 2000. I couldn't find much public information on any changes made to Lange since the buyout. So my question is, has there been any noticeable difference in Lange? Do they continue to be the same calibre as before?I can't see any good coming out of the takeover from Richemont, seeing as they deal with "jewelry, watchmaking, writing instruments and clothing" and they appear to have a passion for financial growth and not for the pinnacle of timepiece perfection.The brand we know today as A. Lange & Söhne was launched in 1994. So seeing as it’s been longer since Richemont bought Lange than the brand has existed, I’d say it's doing all right. Lange has yet to put a foot wrong in its 18 years in business, which is a testament to the remarkably restrained stance Richemont has taken, allowing the Germans to do their thing. Germans tend to be control freaks, and, for better or worse, this does make for a very good trait in a watchmaker. So their Swiss owners were best to leave Lange’s leash long. Now, if the Swatch Group owned Lange, I’d be worried, though even it has shown remarkable restraint with Lange’s neighbor, Glashütte Original. There must be some latent fear of pissing off Germans.If you want an example of where Richemont ownership has led a brand down the wrong path, look to IWC. The brand that once built innovative watches with purpose has quickly become the Omega of Richemont, full of showmanship, celebrities and gimmicky designs. Ironically, it was IWC that helped Lange get back on its feet back in the early '90s. Maybe it’s time for Lange to return the favor.

Does A Monogram Undermine Watch Value?

I have my eyes set on a JLC Reverso and Omega Speedmaster for my two first real watches. If I acquire both, would my two-watch collection be enough to be appropriate for any social/professional occasion and hold my own with other watch aficionados? Is the Reverso truly an heirloom watch? Would a date, initials or anything engraved on the Reverso lower or increase its value, assuming it will never be sold and only handed down to a son or grandson?I can find no fault with your choices. Both watches have pedigree, classic looks and the mechanical underpinnings that hold up to even the most critical Watch Snob. Well, that’s me, and you have my blessing. Most watch aficionados who have even a modest collection have a Speedmaster Professional, and the Reverso is one of those timeless classics that everyone should have.To your second question, assuming you’re planning to hand down the Reverso, the value will only be in the eyes of your heir, so a tasteful engraving (a monogrammed Reverso is considered tasteful) should not detract. Just make sure he is worthy of such an heirloom.

Question from a Watch Knob

Can you please settle a dispute my wife and I are having? We travel to Europe regularly. She wants me to stop wearing my Rado (I got it for under $1,000) and wear my rose gold watch, a JLC Master Hometime. I have tried to explain to her many times that people do not travel with these types of watches (particularly gold watches) since they are prone to being stolen. She told me to ask the Watch Snob. Would you ever take a vacation wearing a fine watch?I love that woman. She not only has taste in watches but also the sense to send you to me to solve this marital dispute. What is the point in having a watch that displays two time zones if you never take it traveling? Or did you misunderstand the “Hometime” name as a watch you leave at home? I’m not sure where in Europe you’re traveling, but do you really need to ask whether I take vacations with a fine watch? My advice to you is to, as those far cruder than I am are fond of saying, “grow a pair.” Your wife might appreciate that as well.